CHURCH NEWS - April 2006
April 2006
Dear Friends,
Well we’re in! As I write this, David and I have been living in the Rectory for just ten days, but already we feel very much at home. We’re looking forward to meeting you all, and to getting to know this beautiful part of Bedfordshire. Having come from a farming background we are very happy to be back in the ‘proper’ countryside.
This past month has been eventful for us in more ways than one – not only has it brought us into a new house and a new ministry, but March 7th saw the arrival of our newest grandson, Jacob. Also, on March 26th we shall be celebrating our Ruby wedding anniversary, looking back over forty years of married life with all its ups and downs. On that day too, I shall be leading my first service at All Saints’ as together we celebrate Mothering Sunday.
So, a time for looking back, with much thankfulness to God for his faithfulness to us over many years, and a time for looking forward, to new challenges, new joys and hopes, new relationships and opportunities of service.
We will shortly be celebrating Easter together – the best new beginning of all. As we remember Christ’s offering of himself upon the cross, an offering of pure love as he gave himself up to death for our sakes, let us resolve to make a new beginning in our relationship with him. As we celebrate his complete victory over sin and death, and all the wonder and joy of the resurrection, may we be encouraged to continue our journey of faith, looking to Jesus who makes all things new, and who will renew his love and resurrection power in our lives if we ask him.
May he bless us and guide us as we seek to serve and follow him in the new adventures to which he has called us.
With love and prayers,
Christine
The Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is there if you need prayer for yourself, for others or for members of your family. Please don’t ask for prayer outside your own family without people’s permission. To have a number of people pray just telephone Dennis (822992).
e-Round News from the Diocese of St. Albans
Easter Monday Pilgrimage
The organising Committee for the Easter Monday pilgrimage to the Abbey (this year on Monday April 17th) want parishes to send them a postcard with a Good News Story about mission and ministry in the parish. Selected stories will be read out in the service. Postcards should be sent to the Revd Canon Stephen Lake, Sub-Dean, The Old Rectory, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Herts AL1 1BY.
Archbishop of Canterbury to lead St Albans Festival Pilgrimage
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will join hundreds of pilgrims at this year's Festival Pilgrimage to celebrate Albantide on June 24th. The day will combine the solemnity of prayerful thanksgiving with a contemporary interpretation of the traditional colourful and spectacular pilgrimage. In addition to the larger than life puppets used in 2005 there will also be chariot racing and lion taming. To find out more visit the cathedral website: www.stalbanscathedral.org.uk
Retreat
Turvey Abbey: April 13th-16th, Sacred Triduum: Share in the prayer, silence and work of the Turvey communities as we celebrate with joy the Paschal Mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
May 6th, A listening heart: A day discovering the vibrancy of Benedictine spirituality.
May 12th-14th, I have seen the Lord: A weekend shedding light on the meaning of Resurrection in our lives today.
For information and booking please contact: The Retreat Secretary, Priory of Our Lady of Peace, Turvey Abbey, Turvey, Beds MK43 8DE.
Anna McCrum, Communications Officer, Diocese of St. Albans.
Lent Evening Service 2006 with Bishop Richard: "Simplicity"
The last in the series of Lent evening services is on Sunday, 2nd April, 6.00pm at St. Nicholas, Wilden, and is on the theme ‘In our service’.
Tea and coffee to follow.
The following poem was read at the funeral of Anne Turner. By special request we have printed it in this month’s magazine.
If Tomorrow starts without me
(Author unknown - believed to be David Romano)
If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did
today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could re-live yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come
tomorrow,
l thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with
sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow but today will always last.
And since each day's the same way, there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times, you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand and share my life with me?"
So, when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.
Meeting Point
April
Wednesday 5th 10.30am at Jill’s, Rectory Farm, Odell.
Wednesday 19th 10.30am at Eileen’s, Corner House, Wymington Park, Rushden
.May
Wednesday 3rd 10.30am at Jane’s, Newton House, Avenue Rd.,
NewtonBromswold, Rushden.
Wednesday 17th 10.30am at Catherine’s, Manor Cottage, Harrold.
Licensing
Service for Reverend Christine Clark
The Service of Licensing of Reverend Christine Clark took place in the evening of Monday 20th March, in All Saints’, Odell. Bishop Richard
officiated. The Archdeacon and Rural Dean, as well as many of the clergy from surrounding churches, also took part in the service.
The service was well attended by Odell villagers and there was a tremendous show of support for Christine from her old parish—even the choir attended in full force and really uplifted the evening with their lovely singing of the anthem ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’. Churchwardens greeted Christine on behalf of the church, Rob Lee represented the
Village Hall Committee, Rachel Halton the Odell Parish Council , Doreen Wheeler the W.I. and Richard Hall the Odell villagers. Afterwards refreshments were enjoyed in the Village Hall. Everyone felt it had been a very warm and moving service, and we all wish Christine a long, happy and fulfilling ministry in Odell.
Thank you!
As we welcome the Reverend Christine Clark to Odell Church I would like to thank the Churchwardens and PCC and everyone who has worked so hard to keep our lovely church open. I know a lot goes on behind the scenes that no-one learns about, to keep things swinging. Also many thanks to the Clergy and Readers, and the people who clean the church and do the flowers.
Many thanks to you all,
Eileen Nottage
Christian Aid Week, May 2006
Last year Odell supported Christian Aid week most generously, and it is hoped that we will do so again this year. If anyone would be willing to collect in the village for this charity please would you contact Jill Cheadle on 720261. Thank you.
Aid For Romania
February 2006Dear Friends,
First of all, a big thank you to everyone who responded so generously to the appeal we sent before Christmas. We’re pleased to say we have achieved the following:
Upped the sponsorship to 7 families with greatest need. This includes contributions to help four new students going to University, and coaching for two girls who won’t realise their dreams to get to college without extra tuition. We have received promises of increased monthly
contributions of £110.
Rebuilt a ramp and reorganised a bathroom for Bogdan (left), aged 26, in a wheelchair.
Helped Suditi School to lay new floor covering in two classrooms and halls.
Assisted with materials and labour for roof repairs and an extension to the tumbledown house in town.
Laid on the electricity for our one sponsored family (nine children) who live out in the country.
Received a donation to cover the cost of sending our wheelchairs to
Romania, and another to pay for Alex’s medication for a year and airfares for one trip to England for a check-up on his eyes. He’s just been and his progress is good as long as he continues with the steroid treatment.
So what next? More wheelchairs and equipment to go out for May.
In mid-May five or six volunteer occupational and speech therapists, together with our own Romanian Doctor, plan to visit Buzau for a few precious days. Again they have a taxing schedule.
Firstly they need to see all those with existing chairs and buggies, and to check the condition of the equipment sent out before, with upgrades and changes where necessary. At the same time, they hope to supply about fifteen new children, mainly from the country villages, with wheelchairs.
They plan to visit three Institutions to help with more equipment and training.
We know of at least seven people who need home visits to sort out new equipment or requirements.
Also needed to be sent out in March/April:
Basic strong toddler toys for children with special needs to teach them co-ordination, colours, and various skills. These items are also for use by the speech therapist and could include plastic animals, strong
vehicles, balls, games and musical instruments (but not anything requiring batteries).
Board games and jigsaws for adults residing for a period at the
psychiatric hospital.
Clean bedding for our sponsored families and some old ladies in a Home in the country.
A computer for our secretary – hers is very old and short of memory so she can’t down-load or send attachments such as photos.
Can anyone lend us a box van, preferably with a tail lift to move goods from Bedford (several pick-up points) to Rochester in late March/early April?
So you can see our needs and will understand that it is all going to cost a lot of money - which comes somewhere on our request list too! But we do know that the main transport costs are covered.
Oh, and of course, prayer. None of this will work without it. You cannot imagine the complicated plans and instructions (all needing translation) required to organise a visit like this.
Please do consider whether you can help in any way, and in particular pray for this trip (May 18th-21st).
Our thanks to you all,
Liz and Tim Dodwell (01590 623434), Roy Dobb, Michael O’Rourke, Julie Day (01234 300167), Claire Broughton (01234 404193), Sue Platt (01234 325651) & the rest of the team
Love: - The More Excellent Way.
1 Corinthians, chapter 13, gives us the meaning of love: at the end of the chapter, verse 13 says:
"There remains three things, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
In 1 Peter, chapter 4, verse 8 we are told: "Love covers a multitude of sins", and Galatians 5, verse 22 tells us "The fruit of the Spirit is love".
The Spirit, given to those of us who believe He is precious, spreads the love of God abroad in our hearts. We love Him because He first loved us.
The Bible tells us that love is patient and kind, it does not envy or boast. Love is not puffed up, does not behave itself in an unseemly way and is not self-seeking. It is not easily provoked, thinks no evil and does not rejoice in inquity but rejoices in the truth. Love bears, believes, hopes, and always endures all things. Love never fails. Prophecies, tongues and knowledge will vanish away, but love never will.
We may not always be able to attain these things or live up to them, but the love of God constrains us and we are encouraged by these words of love.
What a treasure we have in earthen vessels – to glorify God with simply loving Him and one another.
Sarah Bennett
Our Giving in April is to Feba Radio.
FEBA continues to broadcast the good news of Jesus Christ in many parts of Asia and Africa where it is against the law to preach the
Christian faith. The programmes are designed to speak to the particular needs of people who are only too aware that they are involved in a spiritual battle. As a result of the broadcasts many come to a true faith in Jesus and are given strength to witness to their families and neighbours. Sometimes it means exile or death but there are also many stories of whole families coming to faith and seeking to take the gospel to neighbouring states.
The non-threatening medium of radio provides a unique opportunity for hundreds to learn of the way of life which can free them from the shackles of a religion which offers no hope. Making and broadcasting programmes in dozens of different languages is time consuming and costly. Please give what you can so more people can hear the Good News.
Anne Turner
On
behalf of the family, I would like to thank everyone who attended, helped and
participated at my Mother’s funeral. Also, for the beautiful flowers, donations,
cards, prayers and uncountable telephone calls.
Although my grandparents came from Northamptonshire, my Mother, always saw Odell as her home, somewhere where she belonged. From a small child she was involved in village activities from tap dancing in the Bell, to the church choir and in later years contributing to the church magazine. She held many happy memories from her childhood and teenage years.
When my Mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 2½ years ago, John Hancock, a fellow villager, wrote a lovely letter, encouraging her to look upon the experience as, ‘an adventure where she would make new friends’ and she always kept this in mind, witnessing along the way. We all became very aware of the importance of words of encouragement and positive actions and I would like to give special thanks to those who took time out from their busy Christmas schedules to visit my Mother in Addenbrooke’s Hospital. I know that this meant a great deal to her, at a particularly difficult time.
Ovarian cancer, the silent killer, does not usually show any symptoms until the cancer is advanced. It is nearly always misdiagnosed as ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’ and women can still develop this type of cancer after the ovaries have been removed. The cancer marker is CA125, a simple blood test. My hope is that the donations given in my Mother’s name towards ovarian cancer research will be blessed in helping find a cure against this destructive disease.
Best wishes, Rosemary
Diary
April
Sun 2nd 6.00pm Lent Service, St Nicholas, Wilden.
Wed 5th 10.30am Meeting point at Jill’s, Rectory Farm.
Sat 8th 7.30pm Barn dance, Village Hall.
Mon 10th 7.30pm AGM of All Saints’ PCC, Village Hall.
Tues 11th 7.30pm W.I. Village Hall.
Thurs 13th 8.00pm Maundy Thursday service, All Saints’ (CW)
Fri 14th 2.00pm Good Friday Service of Devotion, All Saints’.
Sat 15th 10.00am Church decorating for Easter.
Sun 16th 10.00am Easter Day Holy Communion (CW) Service
Wed 19th 10.30am Meeting Point at Eileen’s, Corner House,
Rushden.
Wed 26th 8.00pm PCC Meeting, The Rectory.
May
Mon 1st 10.00am Fete painting, Doreen Wheeler’s, Linden House.
Wed 3rd 10.30am Meeting Point at Jane’s, Newton House, Avenue
Rd., NewtonBromswold, Rushden.
Wed 15th 7.30pm Annual Parish Meeting, Village Hall.
Wed 17th 10.30am Meeting Point at Catherine’s, Manor Cottage, Harrold.
Magazine Deadline
Please send all entries for the May magazine to Tricia Hudson (mag1@odellbeds.net) or Catherine Corkery by April 12th 2006 at the
latest. May we remind you that the editorial team exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are submitted. Also, the opinions expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and are not the
responsibility of the editorial team.
Electronic mail address
email is web@odellbeds.net
FAX number
01234-721004
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